Thursday, February 10, 2011

I am going to do something I usually try to avoid doing. It is very rare that I throw a press release in here. I can usually figure out a different way of saying what I have already said in a press release. After fighting with this release for the better part of the day, I have decided that I am getting as much mileage out of it as I can. It is not that this was a particularly difficult piece of writing but, today offered a wide variety of distractions that did not contribute to my writing. Thus, I present the Annapolis Royal Heritage Days 2011 press release. By the way, the image in today post is of Peggy Armstrong when she was speaking at Heritage Days 2010.

There is no doubt that Annapolis Royal is a community with a lot of history.On a daily basis you can look at historic buildings as you walk down the streets or visit one of our many museums.What is less visible and perhaps less known is the amount of history that still exists under our feet. During Annapolis Royal’s Heritage Days, February 18-21, there will be a series of presentations highlighting the importance of local archaeology as well as some fun events for the family. Annapolis Royal’s Heritage Days are a co-operative effort of the Annapolis Heritage Society, Historical Association of Annapolis Royal, Historic Gardens and Parks Canada.

On Friday February 18, Dr. Marc Lavoie of Universite Ste Anne will give a presentation on his archaeological work at the Acadian community of Belleisle.These digs have been very important in establishing the material culture of the Acadians who lived in the Port Royal / Annapolis Royal area.A second part of this evening will be a discussion by Robert Surette about the process to have the Belleisle marsh protected under the Nova Scotia Special Places Act. This presentation will take place at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall at 7:00pm.

On Saturday February 19, the morning’s activities shift to the Historic Gardens.In addition to the regular Winter Market (9am – noon) the maison Acadienne will be open for a special interpretive program.Alan Melanson, dressed in proper period costume, will discuss Acadian history and lifestyle from 10am – noon.It should be a fun time with the wood fire burning and the stories flowing.On Saturday afternoon from 2pm - 4pm there will be family games and activities at Fort Anne National Historic Site.From sledding on the ramparts to a game of snow soccer on the infield, there will be a variety of activities.This is a great opportunity to experience the fun of one of Canada’s most historic landscapes.

On Monday afternoon Rebecca Duggan, Parks Canada Cultural Resource Manager for Mainland Nova Scotia, will discuss the archaeology of Fort Anne National Historic Site.This site has been used by the Mi’kmaq, the Scots, the French and the British and has archaeological remains from each of these groups.This presentation will start at 2pm at St Luke’s Anglican Church Hall.